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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


SANDOUKT 


t 

7- 


OR 


FIRST  MARTYR     ^ 
OF   ARMENIA     | 

:==  I 


A   Melodrama  in    Five  Acts   ^ 

Ig^mOriginally    from    Armenian)   || 


™    Reproduced  from  memory  ^jj 

by  Ij 

H.  Y.  Kabadayan  |' 

of  Smyrna,  Turkey 


\ 


> 


^SANDOUKT 

OR. 

FIRST  MARTYR  OF  ARMENIA 


A  MELO-DRAMA  IN  FIVE  ACTS 
(Originally  from  Armenian) 


REPRODUCED  FROM  MEMORY 
i     BY 

H.   Y.   KABADAYAN 

OF  SMYRNA,  TURKEY 

PRICE,  T\^ENTY-FIVE  CENTS 


DETROIT,   MICH. 
1902 


i^ 


yyT^^^C^f^i^^^^-^^ 


(jOHN     BRAVES. 


K 

INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS. 


According  to  the  traditional  history  of  early  Armenian  christians, 
Sanadroog  was  the  king  of  Armenia  in  the  first  century  A.  D.,  his 
dominion  extending  East  over  Parthia,  in  the  South  over  Northern 
Persia  and  Assyria,  in  the  North  and  West  over  the  Major  portion  of 
Asia  Minor.  His  grandfather  Abcarus — who  ruled  Armenia,  then  a 
tributary  country  to  the  Roman  empire  at  the  time  Jesus  lived  and 
preached  in  Judea — hearing  of  the  persecutions  that  the  Jews  were 
raising  against  a  miracle  performing  Christ,  sent  two  messengers  t^i 
Him  with  urgent  invitation  to  leave  Palestine  for  Armenia  and  cure 
him  from  his  leprosy.  This  "Two  messengers"  story  is  corroborated 
by  the  scriptural  statement  in  one  of  the  Gospels  that  two  strangers 
were  wishing  to  see  Christ  outside  of  the  temple.  Christ  did  not  go 
to  Armenia  but  promised  the  messengers  to  send  two  of  his  disciples 
— Thaddeus  and   Bartholomew — after  His   resurrection. 

During  the  30  years  of  the  peaceful  reign  of  King  Abcarus  many 
schools  were  founded  and  Grecian  ideas  and  philosophy  pervaded  the 
scholarly  minds.  This  king  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  adopt 
Christianity  for  national  religion  owing  to  determined  opposition  and 
enmity  of  Armenian  nobles.  Through  his  efforts  christian  churches 
were  erected  or  heathen  temples  converted  to  christian  houses  of  wor- 
ship. This,  however,  did  not  last  long.  Soon  after  his  death  the 
nation  succumbed  again  to  idolatry  and  the  germs  of  early  Christi- 
anity   were   entirely    eradicated    from   the    country. 

Sanadroog,  soon  after  ascending  to  the  throne,  showed  all  the 
qualifications  of  a  stern  and  mighty  ruler.  He  restored  the  lost 
prestige  of  the  crown  over  the  feudal  states  of  a  much-harassed 
country.  With  all  his  intelligence  and  power  he  tenaciously  adhered 
to  pagan  worship  of  heathen  gods. 

It  was  during  the  reign  of  this  king  that  Thaddeus — one  of  Christ's 
apostles — came  to  Armenia  and  began  to  preach  the  gospel.  Sana- 
droog's  wife  secretly  became  a  christian  and  she  trained  her  only 
daughter  in  the  new  faith,  'i'he  story  of  first  christian  martyrdom 
and  the  accompanying  events  are  faithfully  described  in  the  following 
pages.  H.  V.  K. 


15SJ72J2,3 


CHARACTERS  IN  THE  PLAY. 


Sanadroog   King-  of  Armenia 

Sandoukt His  Daughter  and  Heiress  to  the  Throne 

Nouvart   Sandoukt's  Friend  and  Counsellor's  Daughter 

Thaddeus One  of  the  Twelve  Disciples  of  Christ 

Yervant    General  of  Armenian  Army  and   Sandoukt's   Lover 

Shavarsh    King's   Counsellor 

\  ahram King's  Courier  or  Messenger 

Phestus    Chief   Priest  at  the  Temple  of  Diana 

Armen Keeper  of  the  Prison 

Soldiers,  Executioners  and  People. 
Time,  60-70  A.  D. 


SANDOUKT 

OR 

FIRST   MARTYR  OF  ARMENIA. 


ACT  I. 

Scene — The  Royal  Palace  Facing  the  Field  of  Vasbouragan. 

SANADROOG  AND  THADDEUS. 

SANADROOG. — What  are  all  these  unfavorable  reports  I  hear 
about  you,  Thaddeus.  Are  you  ready  to  answer  the  charges  of  my 
people  against  you  for  propagating  a  ridiculous  religion,  with  hum- 
blest origin,  started  by  a  Jew  away  out  in  Judea? 

THADDEUS. — Verily  I  see  heavens  opened  and  future  revealed 
of  Armenia.  Here,  before  you,  O  Sanadroog,  once  again  I  proclaim 
the  eternal  truth  of  a  living  God !  Invisible  to  mortal  eyes  He  forges 
the  destinies  of  mankind.  What  are  kings  and  kingdoms  of  this 
earth,  but  dwarfs,  as  compared  with  the  universal  power  of  the  God 
whom  I  preach  and  who  reigns  supreme. 

SANADROOG.— (Scornfully)  I  would  like  to  meet  that  God. 
Before  I  put  this  sword  back  into  its  sheath  I  challenge  your  God. 
The  gory  blood  of  the  Persian  king  is  still  fresh  on  the  battlefield, 
and  the  scattered  thousands  of  surrounding  nations  will  yet  tremble 
to  look  at  this  glittering  crown  and  this  glistening  sword. 

THADDEUS. — Beware  of  dangerous  exaltation  of  the  self!  Pride 
precedeth  fall.  Remember  the  passing  glories  of  Assyrians,  Chaldeans 
and  Babylonians.  It  was  God  who  crushed  the  tyrant's  sword  in  its 
scabbard  and  made  the  magnificent  temples  of  heathen  gods  crumble 
into  dust.  But  our  God  is  as  merciful  as  he  is  just.  Ever  since  the 
dark  hour  in  which  the  Saviour  of  the  world  died  on  the  Cross,  witli 
outstretched  hands  nailed  on  the  tree,  ready  to  embrace  the  whole  of 
humanity,  the  mightiest  king  as  well  as  the  abject  poor,  through  His 
self-sacrifice,  found  a  way  of  reconciliation  paved  between  a  straying 
and  stubborn  mankind  and  a  divinely  just  God  ! 

SANADROOG.— And  how  absurd  to  suppose  this  man  you  call 
Jesus  to  be  the  Son  of  a  mighty  God  and  be  powerless  to  resent  the 
scofif  and  jeer  of  a  handful  of  cowardly  Jews,  and  suffer  death  at  tin- 
hands  of  a  few  Roman  soldiers. 

THADDEI'S. — Strong  in  weakness,  rich  in  poverty,  happy  in 
chains  and  suffering,  faith  in  Jesus,  hope  in  a  hereafter,  love  for 
all  our  fellowmen  ;  these  are  the  truths  of  the  Christian  religion.  I 
come  to  this  land  to  sow  the  seeds  of  the  Gospel  and  fulfil  my  mis- 
sion. 

SANADROOG.  —Down  with  all  your  religion  and  philosophy. 
No  foreign  God  shall  dominate  Armenian  hearts.     We  love  to  exalt 


8  SANDOUKT, 

Jupiter  ami  build  temples  for  Artemis.  We  will  not  surrender  our 
allei^iance  to  a  loving-  but  dying  God.  You  shall  no  more  henceforth 
mar  the  happiness  of  my  people  by  denouncing  their  religion  and 
their  gods. 

THADDEUS. — No  threatening  nor  hatred  can  prevent  my  zeal 
from  preaching  the  Lord ! 

SANADROOG.  — Do  you  mean  to  disobey  orders? 
THADDEUS. — Disobey  yours,  obey  His! 

SANADROOG. — Then  you  must  leave  my  kingdom  at  once ;  I 
command. 

THADDEUS.— Not  until  I  win  it  for  Jesus  Christ. 

SANADROOG. —Curse  be  on  you.  You  shall  not  see  again  my 
face  until,  through  your  obstinacy,  find  your  head  resting  on  the 
executioner's  block       *     *     *      (walks  out  of  the  room  in  anger). 

THADDEUS. — May  God  forgive  thee  and  bless  thee     *     *     *     . 


PART   2ND,   SAME  PLACE. 

THADDEUS  AND  SANDOUKT. 

SANDOUKT. —  (Stealthily  coming  out  from  her  hiding  place) 
Tell  me  more  of  that  wonderful  Jesus  and  His  cross,  most  reverend 
father.  Here  is  a  virgin  soul  to  receive  your  words  as  coming  from 
heaven  above.  Ever  since  my  darling  mother  imprinted  her  last 
])arting  kiss  on  my  lips  as  she  drew  me  closer  to  her  side,  "My  dear 
child,"  she  said  to  me  in  a  low  but  melodiously  sweet  voice,  "I  am 
dying  and  soon  the  angels  will  place  my  weary  soul  in  the  arms  of 
Saviour  Jesus     *     *     *  Follow  the  teachings  of  the  apostle  Thad- 

deus.  I  recommend  you  to  his  fatherly  care.  Exert  your  influence 
over  your  inexorable  father  the  king,  to  save  the  prophet  from  mob's 
fury.  Be  faithful  to  the  memory  of  your  parting  mother  *  *  *  _" 
Saying  this  she  gave  me  this  (showing  a  crucifix)  emblem  of  love  and 
purity.  With  a  spark  of  hope  dimly  shining  in  her  eyes  and  with  a 
heavenward  gesture  of  her  hand  she  said,  "Daughter,  meet  me  there!" 
O  the  pain  of  separation  that  crept  into  my  being  as  I  saw  her  lying 
there  still  in  calm  repose.  Three  years  have  elapsed  since  mother 
died  and  yet  not  a  day  has  passed  in  which  I  did  not  say  the  prayers 
that  she  taught  me.  Tell  me  more  of  that  religion  which  inspires  our 
hearts  with  everlasting  hope  for  a  reunion  of  souls !  Speak !  and  let 
my  bleeding  heart  find  a  remedy  in  you. 

THADDEUS. — Heavens  have  prepared  a  crown  of  thorns  for 
this  (touching  with  hand)  fair  brow,  and  cross  of  sufferings  for  you 
to  bear.  H  you  only  be  faithful  to  the  end,  this  prosperous  nation 
will  in  time,  through  the  illuminating  star  of  your  unflinching  faith, 
be  guided  to  pay  a  lasting  tribute  to  Jesus  the  King  of  kings  and  the 
T^ord  of  lords. 

SANDOUKT. — And  do  you,  for  a  moment,  doubt  the  spirit  in 
which  I  have  determined  to  live? 


FIRST  MARTYR  OF  ARMENIA.  9 

THADDEUS. — No !  but  it  wouldn't  be  premature  to  say  right 
here  that  you  need  be  prepared  to  expect  the  inevitable.  Dark  clouds 
are  gathering  over  your  head  threatening,  with  a  downpour  of  human 
might  and  main  to  extinguish  the  light  of  the  Gospel  which  I  was 
instrumental  in  lodging  within  your  tender  heart. 

SANDOUKT. — The  tempest  may  only  increase  the  speed  of  a 
sailing  boat  to  reach  only  the  quicker  the  safe  shore  ! 

THADDEUS. — But  are  you  not  aware  of  the  dangers  and  hidden 
rocks  of  a  treacherous  human  sea? 

SANDOUKT.— When  Jesus  is  the  pilot,  all  is  well ! 

THADDEUS.— But  your  father,  the  king? 

SANDOUKT.— Shall  know  that  I  am  a  Christian  ! 

THADDEUS. — And  do  you  ignore  the  perils  that  surround  you? 

SANDOUKT.— I  am  ready  to  face  them. 

THADDEUS. — May  God  send  His  angels  to  protect  you  from  the 
snares  of  the  evil,  give  you  courage  to  stand  firmly  for  His  cause, 
willing  to  live  as  to  die  for  His  sake  *  *  *  Good-bye!  (Exit  of 
apostle.) 

(Sandoukt  follows  apostle  to  the  entrance  where  she  receives  a 
roll  of  papyrus  supposed  to  be  a  fragment  of  the  Gospel,  reads  atten- 
tively while  retires  only  to  appear  to  Yervant  in  Part  following.) 

SANDOURT  AND  YERVANT   (the  general.) 

YERVANT. — (Alone,  just  returned  from  Persian  war,  anxious  to 
meet  Sandoukt.  his  sweetheart,  and  in  a  rapture  of  fond  love)  Oh  ! 
how  pleasant  it  is  to  tread  on  the  grounds  she  treads,  how  sweet  to 
breathe  in  the  air  she  breathes !  Every  voice  in  nature  and  every 
sound  in  air  echoes  back  to  me  "Sandoukt!"  Sandoukt.  the  embodi- 
ment of  all  purity  and  grace,  of  all  wit  and  intelligence!  Sandoukt! 
What  a  magic  name  to  which  my  heart  responds  in  an  ecstasy  of 
love!  Love?  what  an  uncommon  weakness  for  an  army  general! 
Yet  the  heart  which  led  the  nation's  forces  from  victory  to  victory 
now  bows  down  in  submission  before  this  maiden  fair.  How  truh 
the  plans  of  the  immortal  gods  sway  and  overrule  human  plans.  Ac- 
cording to  late  reports  from  Erevan  the  enemy  is  concentrating  its 
forces  on  our  frontier.  Before  long  Sanadroog  will  know  this  and 
he  may  detail  me  again  to  the  scene  of  trouble.  I'he  Scythians  of  the 
North  they  are  barbarians  and  it  takes  a  considerable  number  of  dis- 
ciplined warriors  to  bring  them  into  subjection.  Without  a  murnnir 
1  shall  res])on(l  to  my  country's  call.  (  )n  my  return  from  the  late 
war  Sanadrcjog  ])romised  me  his  only  daughter  and  Sandoukt  shall 
be  my  l)ride  before  another  war  cry  strikes  the  king's  ears  !  *  *  * 
lUit  Sandoukt,  she  may  be  a  changed  girl  now.  Now  a  soft  sympa- 
thetic smile  will  bloom  they  say  on  her  face  and  then  fade  away. 
.Man\-  a  time  ])eople  have  seen  her  take  something  like  this(  here 
make  a  cross  sign  with  his  index  fingers)  to  her  lips  and  kiss,  and 
then  suddenly  burst  into  tears.  "O  Sandoukt,  Sandoukt!"  would  I 
cry   then,   "what   iit^rnal   things   are   wrapping  you    with    night    and 


10  SANDOUKT. 

gloom    Irom    which    \crvant   cannot   save   you,   darling?"     "^^     *     * 
There  she  is  once  more  with   the  melody  of  her  sweet  voice.     She 
sing-s  of  luT  departed   mother     *     '''■     *     Poor   Sandoukt     *     *     * 
She  calls  herself  a  keeper  of  her  mother's  tomb     ^^     *     *     .  Here  she 
comes  now     *     =5^     *  She  has  a  roll  of  papyrus  in   her  hands     * 

*     *      (just   then   Sandoukt   re-enters   the   room   when   suddenly   is 
confronted  by   Yervant.  the  general  and  lover.) 

YERVAKT. — Sandoukt!   (advances  to  embrace  her). 

SAXD(  )rK'r. — Yervant!  (In  her  excitement  drops  the  roll  which 
Yervant  (|uickly  picks  up  and  places  in  his  armor). 

YERX'AXT. — After  two  years  of  continuous  warfare  and  battles' 
desolation  1  am  spared  to  return  to  lay  down  the  trophies  of  war  be- 
fore your  feet,  my  mistress  and  my  queen  ! 

SANDOUKT. —  (Abstainingly)  Yervant!  all  the  riches  and  gran- 
deur and  glory  of  the  world  I  count  naught.  Heavens  permitted  me 
once  again  to  see  with  mortal  eyes  the  one  who  has  stood  a  central 
figure  in  all  my  prayers  and  meditations  ! 

Y'ERVANT. — Sandoukt!  do  you  love  me? 

SANDOUKT. — Before  and  above  all  things  there  is  a  higher  and 
a  nobler  duty  for  us  to  perform  if  we  care  to  enjoy  the  full  extent 
of  our  mundane  love  ;  that  is,  to  prepare  for  an  eternity  of  life  which 
is  promised  all  mankind  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 

YERVANT. — Who  is  that  Jesus  of  whom  you  speak  so  fondly? 
Is  he  a  commander,  king,  or  deity?     Who  and  wdiat  is  he? 

SANDOUKT. — The  Son  of  God  who,  in  order  to  satiate  the  de- 
mand of  God's  justice  against  a  wicked  world,  assumed  flesh  and  suf- 
fered the  death  of  the  Cross  to  save  humanity  from  eternal  condemna- 
tion. He  rose  from  the  grave  and  ascended  to  heaven,  thus  fulfilling 
the  prophecies  of  old.  He  constantly  intercedes  now  to  the  Father 
in  behalf  of  every  .penitent  soul. 

YERVANT.— (Horrified)  What?  You  don't  belong  to  that  class 
of  crazy  people  who  throw  themselves  into  the  fire  to  burn  alive  for 
a  man  long  dead,  and  whose  increasing  numbers  have  only  doubled 
the  hatred  and  indignation  of  the  Roman  emperors?  Look  forward, 
Sandoukt,  into  your  future.  You  are  your  father's  only  hope  to 
succeed  his  throne.  Look  around  and  see  the  nations  preparations  for 
our  forthcoming  union  in  marriage.  Phestus,  the  chief  priest,  will 
receive  us  to  the  altar  with  most  imposing  ceremonies  while  the 
people  outside  of  the  temple  will  cheer  almost  to  hoarseness  for  the 
happiest  couple  on  the  face  of  the  earth  ! 

SANDCJUKT. — In  a  fortnight  the  test  of  a  poor  maiden's  moral 
strength  will  decide  whether  we  are  to  enjoy  each  other  here  below 
or  in  heaven  above ! 

(Here  Sanadroog  calls  out  to  Sandoukt  who  extends  her  hand 
to  Yervant  who  planting  a  lingering  kiss  on  it  says :) 

YERVANT.— I  shall  be  faithful  to  you  unto  death,  Sandoukt,  my 
love. 

Fall  of  curtain. 


SANADROOG 

(King  of  Armenia) 


12  SANDOUKT, 

ACT  II. 

Scene  2nd — King's  Apartments. 

SANADROOG  AND  SHAVARSH. 

SHAVARSH. — 1  have  a  very  sad  news  to  communicate  to  my 
kincr. 

SANADROOG.— The  greater  the  perils  the  more  glorious  the 
strength  of  the  concjueror! 

SHAVARSH. — The  greatest  of  all  misfortunes  have  the  gods 
reserved  for  the  crowned  head  of  the  Royal  family. 

SANADROOG.  —What  can  it  possibly  be,  Shavarsh? 

SHAVARSH. — My  king  remembers  the  old  man  of  Judea? 

SANADROOG. -Well  ? 

SHAVARSH. — He  still  wanders  about  in  the  streets  of  Ani*  try- 
ing to  dissuade  the  people  from  worshipping  ovir  gods,  and  he  has 
gone  as  far  as  penetrating  into  the  king's  palace  and  has  succeeded 
in  converting  to  his  strange  faith  the  purest  maiden  of  the  land  and 
the  only  hope  of  the  king's  household. 

SANADROOG. — What?  Has  Sandoukt.  my  daughter,  become  a 
Christian? 

SHAVARSH. — I  cannot  restrain  my  tongue  from  telling  the  awful 
truth. 

SANADROOG. —Sandoukt.  my  daughter  a  Christian?  Shavarsh, 
you  may  be  mistaken. 

SHAVARSH. — Unchangeable  are  the  Fate's  oracles.  It  is  our 
duty  only  to  obey  them. 

SANADROOG. —Do  not  tr}-  to  console  me,  Shavarsh.  Consola- 
tion is  for  light  grief  only.  Sandoukt  a  Christian !  What  a  horrible 
dream. 

SHAVARSH. — It  is  not  yet  too  late  to  prepare  against  future 
emergencies  and  save  Sandoukt  from  eternal  disgrace. 

SANADROOG.  -What  is  a  father's  first  duty  in  a  crisis  like  this, 
Shavarsh? 

SHAVARSH. — Resort  to  arguments  first.  If  they  are  powerless 
to  convince  her  use  the  weapon  of  love.  Tell  her  of  your  afifections 
and  sympathy  you  have  continuously  felt  towards  her  since  she  lost 
her  mother.  Tell  her  also  of  the  sublime  preparations  that  are  being 
made  to  celebrate  her  wedding  to  the  most  valiant  general  the  nation 
has  ever  produced,  Yervant,  whose  name  vibrates  every  chord  of 
])atriotism  in  every  Armenian's  heart. 

SANADROOG.— If  both  arguments  and  love  fail? 

SHAVARSH. — Use  force,  for  it  is  far  better  to  ignore  notion 
peculiarities  of  a  young  girl  than  precipitate  a  revolution  by  trespass- 
ing upon  the  religious  tendencies  of  the  masses  in  submission  to  an 
absurd  faith. 


'The  capital  of  ancient  Armenia. 


FIRST  MARTYR  OF  ARMENIA.  13 

SANADROOG. — Shavarsh,  you  speak  with  wisdom  and  sufficient 
experience.  You  can  fortell  the  consequences  of  a  mild  and  relentinng" 
policy  taken  towards  my  daughter.  Will  you  therefore  tell  me  frankly 
if  stringency  of  measures  against  my  daughter  to  protect  the  nation's 
honor  will  ever  compensate  the  love  I  cherish  for  her? 

SHAVARSH. — Idomenes  was  a  Greek  who.  when  subjected  to  the 
perils  of  a  raging  sea,  made  a  vow  to  the  gods  too  sacred  to  be  broken 
after  landing  safely  on  shore.  Remember  how  the  unfortunate  father 
sacrificed  his  only  son  when  first  greeted  by  him  on  his  return  home 
from  the  Trojan  war.  And  Brutus,  the  Roman  patriot,  said  he  loved 
his  country  more  than  he  did  Caesar  who  fell  dead  by  the  daggers  of 
his  most  favored  friend-assailants.  In  your  case,  O  Sanadroog,  history 
will  repeat  itself,  and  the  time  is  come  when  both  nobility  and  com- 
munity need  be  saved  from  a  dreadful  suspense  and  wavering  opinion 
as  to  the  exact  position  of  your  daughter  in  religion. 

SANADROOG. —Yes,  enough  I  had  to  endure  of  the  insults  heaped 
upon  my  head  through  the  inconsistency  of  a  child-daughter.  I  can 
now  understand  plainly  the  reasons  why  she  repeatedly  refused  to 
take  her  seat  with  me  in  the  temple  of  Diana.  ()  cruel  Fate!  What 
shall  I  do?  I  am  both  father  and  a  king.  As  a  father  I  love  Sandoukt, 
my  only  daughter ;  but  as  a  king  I  worship  Jupiter ! 

SHAVARSH. — May  the  lord  King  grant  me  a  private  audience 
with  Sandoukt.  and  1  hope  to  return  with  cheering  reports  before  the 
consummation  of  to-morrow  while  the  public  ovation  goes  on  uninter- 
ruptedly for  the  event  of  the  next  day.  I  can  give  you  now  but  one 
advice,  that  is,  go  and  rest.  Forget  the  crisis,  my  lord,  until  you  hear 
me  again  on  the  da}' of  the  wedding.  There  is  hope  yet  to  regain  San- 
doukt. She  loves  Yervant,  the  veteran  young  hero  of  Armenian  wars, 
and  Yervant  is  not  a  Christian.  (Taking  Sanadroog's  hand  in  his  he 
earnestly  says:)  Good-bye,  Sanadroog!  Remember  Yervant  is  not  a 
Christian. 

SANADROOG.  —  ( In  a  very  low  voice  as  he  leaves  tiie  room)  Yes, 
Yervant,  my  noble  general,  is  not  a  Christian;  and  if  .'-^liaNarsli  and  I 
fail  to  win  her,  Yervant  will.     Good-bye.  Shavarsh  ! 

SHAVARSH. —  (Alone)  Poor  Sanadroog.  nt)  person  can  sym- 
])athize  with  you  any  better,  for  I  have  a  daughter  of  Sandoukt's 
age.  And  woe  unto  me  if  Nouvart  shoidd  ever  contemplate  abandon- 
ing the  traditions  and  the  religion  of  her  home  country  *  *  '■' 
But  I  must  make  haste  and  see  Yervant  before  to-morrow  if  1  should 
seek  to  accjuiesce  Sanadroog,  the  unfcjrlunate  king  of  iVrmenia  I  (Exit 
of  Shavarsh.) 


PART  3rd. 

SANDOUKT  AND  NOUVART. 

(Entering   room    together   in    an    apparently    sprightly    mood   and 
promenading  the  floor.) 


11  SANDOUKT, 

XOU\^-\.RT.  —  And  what  a  general  is  Yervant !  Unswerving 
courage  which  has  won  battles  for  onr  conntry.  A  perfect  type  of 
niascnline  l)eautv.  a  specimen  of  noble  manhood.  A  man  who  knows 
no  fear  before  the  signal  of  dangers,  and  yet  a  woman's  heart,  sweet 
and  tender,  underlies  that  lion's  breast.  You  hold  now  the  sceptre 
and  the  crown  in  one  hand  and  with  the  other  you  will  soon  draw 
to  yourself  one  who  is  worthy  of  all  the  world's  respect  and  admira- 
tion. Cheer  up.  Sandoukt,  to-morrow  is  your  day,  when  you  will  l)e- 
ct)me  ^'ervant's  loving  bride! 

SAXD'OIKT. — Yervant!  he  is  all  sincerity,  all  devotion,  all  love. 
lUit  Jesus  whom  1  have  espoused  I  love  dearer  than  Yervant. 

NOUVART. — It  is  foolish  to  ignore  the  real  and  embrace  the 
shadow. 

SANDOUKT. — How  could  you  draw  a  line  of  comparison  be- 
tween the  short  life  of  ours  and  the  life  yonder  beyond  the  grave? 

NOUVART. — Judging  from  personal  experience  I  think  I  could 
not  love  anyone  unseen  better  than  my  dear  Vahram. 

SANDOUKT.— If  you  could  win  him  for  an  eternity  of  life? 

NOUVART.— That  is  altogether  different.  But  even  then  I 
would  rather  let  the  influx  of  happy  feelings  rejoice  my  heart  here 
below  when  Vahram  murmurs  "love"  to  my  ears,  in  preference  to  a 
]:)romised  eternal  life. 

SANDOUKT.— Poor  Nouvart.  you  think  perhaps  more  of  Vah- 
ram than  of  the  salvation  of  your  soul.  Remember  the  apostle's  say- 
ings in  regard  to  souls'  immortality.  Did  we  not  listen  to  him  to- 
gether? Did  we  not  take  to  him  our  most  sanguine  troubles.  Did 
you  so  soon  forget  Thaddeus,  the  godly  man? 

NOUVART. — He  was  cast  into  prison,  they  say,  for  his  stubborn 
resistance  to  yoiir  father's  orders. 

SANDOUKT.— Thaddeus  in  prison?  May  God  forbid  that  it 
become  a  truth  !  But  good  Lord,  what  an  infernal  plot  is  being  daily 
woven  against  Thy  servants !  Strengthen  me,  O  Lord,  a  feeble 
maiden  to  bear  Thy  name  through  life  even  unto  death,  like  the  one 
Thou  hast  appointed  to  Christianize  this  country.  (Turning  to  Nou- 
vart) Will  you  be  at  the  temple  to-morrow  morning  to  witness  the 
wedding  ceremonies? 

NOUVART.— Not  I  alone,  but  all  the  daughters  of  Armenian 
nobility  together  with  me. 

SANDOUKT. — I  have  somewhat  of  a  surprise  in  reserve  for  you 
all. 

NOUVART. — You  are  not  going  to  break  your  promise  of  marry- 
ing Yervant? 

SANDOUKT.— No! 

NOUVART.— Certainly  you  do  not  premeditate  a  public  declara- 
tion of  your  new  faith? 

SANDOUKT.— Wait  until  to-morrow. 

NOUVART. — A  little  foolish  act  on  your  part  may  plunge  our 


FIRST  MARTYR  OF  ARMENIA.  15 

country  headlong  into  a  revolution.  And  you  do  not  want  to  inflict 
another  mortal  wound  upon  your  father  now  that  he  is  fully  aware 
of  your  acceptance  of  Christianity. 

SAND'OUKT. — Father!  Father!  I  would  risk  death  to  win  you 
to  Christ ! 

NOUVART. — Hark  !  You  are  overheard.  *  "  *  Do  you  hear 
the  footsteps  of  a  man?  *  *  "■'•  (Rush  to  entrance  of  stage  and 
exclaim  together  at  sight  of  stranger.)  " 'Tis  Yervant !"  (Nouvart 
takes  her  departure  from  Sandoukt  with  a  kiss,  leaving  the  happy 
couple  for) 


PART  4th. 

YERVANT  AND  SANDOUKT. 

YERX'ANT. — Sandoukt,  what  makes  you  always  seek  the  soli- 
tude of  the  residence?  Why  not  take  a  promenade  outside  the  gates 
of  this  palace?  View  the  gorgeous  display  of  pennons  which  adorn 
the  porticoes  along  the  line  of  the  triumphal  march  to  the  temple  of 
to-morrow's  bridal  party.  Witness  the  maneuvers  of  cavalry  and  in- 
fantry and  rejoice  in  the  rally  of  yeomanry  which  has  flooded  the  city 
in  jubilant  anticipation  of  to-morrow? 

SANDOUKT. — No,  we  will  stay  here,  Yervant,  and  silently  ob- 
serve the  solemnit}'  of  the  hour  which  to-morrow  will  decide  whether 
you  are  worthy  of  a  pure  maiden's  love! 

YERVANT. — To  love  you  is  for  me  to  live.  But  to  live  with 
you  will  be  the  loftiest  happiness  that  can  be  desired. 

SANDOUKT. —  (Confidingly).  Yervant.  beloved,  troubles  from 
within  and  without  thickly  are  surrounding  me.  Eikc  a  rudderless 
ship  I  am  being  tossed  about  to  wreck  in  a  treacherous  sh(jal.  An 
uneasy  mob,  armed  to  its  teeth,  is  daily  scouring  around  this  resi- 
dence with  a  view  of  ascertaining  my  connection  with  the  new  sect. 
Father  Sanadroog  is  overwhelmed  with  intense  grief  at  the  news  of 
my  conversion  to  Christianity.  And  the  very  thought  that  1  will  not 
take  my  seat  with  him  at  the  heathen  temple  is  maddening  him  every 
day.  My  girl  friends  scoff  and  jeer  at  me  for  the  secret  moments 
I  prefer  to  have  in  memory  of  my  departed  Christian  mother  and  for 
invoking  heavenly  comfort  to  my  weary  soul.  T  have  long  felt  the 
cold  touch  of  their  hands  on  mine,  long  suffered  the  sarcasm  of  their 
talks,  the  insinuations  of  a  motley  crowd.  I  am  left  all  alone  on 
earth,  all  alone,  Yervant!  *  *  *  (Her  arms  around  his  neck,  head 
resting  on  his  shoulders,  sobbing.) 

YERVANT. — Be  still,  my  darling,  no  power  in  heaven  or  earth 
will  ever  dare  to  harm  you  while  ^'ervant  lives  ! 

SANDOUKT. —  (In   a  still   tremulous   voice).    Yervant!      !      !      ! 

YERVANT.— (Compassionately).  O  gods,  do  not.  I  pray,  light 
your  ravaging  battles  against  Sanadroog  and  his  child.     If  she  has 


16  SANDOUKT, 

despised  and  ant^ered  you,  let  your  llyiui;-  arrows  lueel  my  lieart  first 
and  spare  the  future  queen  of  Armenia! 

SANDOUKT. —  (Recovering-  from  her  swoon  extricates  herself 
from  Yervant's  arms,  and  assuming  a  bold  attitude  speaks  against 
idolatry  as  follows:)  in  the  name  of  one  true  God  and  His  Son  and 
His  Holy  Spirit  I  defy  all  other  false  gods.  The  idols  worshipped 
throughout  the  land  do  not  and  cannot  represent  any  supreme  power 
either  in  heaven  or  on  earth.  They  are  invented  by  the  ingenuity  of 
man  to  only  excite  the  wonderment  in  the  ignorant.  Yervant,  shake 
off  the  rusty  fetters  of  traditional  superstition  and  idolatrous  wor- 
ship and  breathe  in  the  pure  atmosphere  of  Christian  religion.  Let 
Jui)iter,  Apollo.  Hermes,  Pallas  and  the  rest  of  Grecian  and  Roman 
gods  go,  but  believingly  cling  to  the  divine  God.  Believe  in  my  God, 
Yervant.  and  He  will  provide  for  us  a  temporal  as  well  as  eternal 
life! 

YER\'ANT. — Let  the  course  of  time  work  the  desired  change 
in  me ;  but,  Sandoukt,  do  not  speak  a  harsh  word  against  your  fath- 
er's will. 

SANDOUKT.— What  is  my  father's  will? 

YERVANT. — Reverence  the  altar  which  to-morrow  makes  us  one. 

SANDOUKT.— Impossible ! 

YERVANT. — Then  you  don't  care  a  particle  for  Yervant,  as  his 
devotion  is  utterly  unable  to  save  the  crown  from  sinking  into  the 
mire  of  a  frenzied  populace? 

SANDOUKT. —  (After  a  moment's  reflection  and  in  a  mood  of 
prayer.)  O  Lord,  show  me  a  way  to  faithfully  bear  Thy  name  even 
at  the  trying  hours  of  the  morrow. 

YERVANT. —  (Listening  to  a  strange  sound  of  a  drum  and  inten- 
sified cry  coming  from  a  distance,  calls  Sandoukt's  attention  saying:) 
Listen,  Sandoukt,  do  you  hear  the  drum's  measured  notes  and  the 
tramping  of  the  marching  soldiers  every  minute  increasing?  They 
must  be  very  near  this  place  as  you  can  distinctly  hear  their  voices 
now.  Let  us  stand  near  the  window  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  this  giant 
body  of  enthusiastic  people.  (Here  soldiers  are  seen  through  win- 
dow across  back  part  of  stage  shouting  "Hurrah  for  Yervant,"  etc., 
as  they  pass  along.) 

SANDOUKT.— (Enquiringly.)  What  means  all  this,  Yervant? 
Can  it  be  that  a  catastrophe  awaits  the  king's  household  on  my  ac- 
count? 

YERVANT. — No!  (Sadly.)  The  marching  army  wants  its  com- 
mander back  to  go  to  the  North  to  check  and  subdue  the  barbarians 
who  have  crossed  our  frontier ! 

SANDOUKT. — O  Yervant,  Yervant,  I  am  Heaven's  most  unfor- 
tunate and  forlorn  child!  War,  accursed  war!  Thy  victims  are 
countless,  thy  purpose  is  void.  How  many  mothers  tearfully  wrap- 
ped their  loving  arms  around  the  erect  forms  of  their  parting  son? 
never    again    to    meet    their    smile    or    hear    their    soothing    call    of 


MOSES     KHOREN 

(Historian) 


IS  SANOOUKT, 

"mother!"  in  all  their  life-time.  How  many  widowed  women  Sfath- 
ered  with  their  eliildren  around  the  frozen  corpses  of  their  husbands 
hrouo-Jit  back  by  their  comrades  upon  their  shields  with  their  faces 
turned  against  the  enemy.  And  how  numberless  are  the  broken 
hearts  of  dainty  maidens  who  prayed  day  and  night  for  the  safe 
return  of  their  sweethearts  from  the  l)loody  field,  but  in  vain  !  While 
their  dead  or  dying  bodies  are  left  on  the  field  perhaps  unable  to 
drive  away  the  wild  wolf  who  devours  their  hearts  or  prevent  the 
horrid  vulture  who  settles  on  their  breasts  to  dig  their  eyes !  O 
the  horrors  of  war !  They  mark  the  advent  of  Mars.  But  Christ  says, 
"Peace  be  on  earth  !" 

YERVANT. — Sandoukt,  to  defend  my  country  is  my  duty,  but 
to  defend  you  a  virtue.  Soon  after  noon  to-morrow  I  am  going 
North     *     *     *     Who  will  then  take  care  of  Sandoukt? 

SANDOUKT.— Angels  of  God! 

YERVANT. — May  the  angels  of  God  expand  their  wings  over 
you  and  protect  you  until  Yervant  returns  ! 

SANDOUKT. — In   life  or  in   death   I   am   thine     *     *     *     _ 

YERVANT. — Good-bye     *     *     *       until     *     *       *     to-morrow. 

SANDOUKT.— Good-bye  (watches  him  disappear  when  curtain 
falls. 


ACT  III. 
Scene  3rd — Palace  Corridors. 

sanadroog,  shavarsh  and  VAHRAM. 

SxANADROOG.  —  (Preparing  to  leave  palace  for  temple  with  his 
courtiers).  After  a  night  of  horrible  dreams  I  cannot  cheerfully 
welcome  the  dawn  of  day.  My  head  is  awhirl  about  the  secrets  of 
the  day. 

SHAVARSH. — A  more  faithful  and  daring  courier  than  Vahram 
can  not  be  found  in  all  the  kingdom. 

SANADROOG. -Does  Nouvart  love  Vahram? 

SHAVARSH. — An  immaculate  love  actuates  the  feelings  of  both  ; 
and  I  am  proud  to  say  that  her  choice  has  been  for  one  direct  in  the 
king's  service. 

SANADROOG.— Have  you  ever  felt  the  pang  of  suspicion  about 
your  daughter's  religion,  or,  in  other  words,  did  you  ever  suspect 
Nouvart  being  a  Christian  ? 

SHAVARSH. — Once,  and  that  but  recently. 

SANADROOG. — Well  Shavarsh,  I  will  ask  you  no  more  ques- 
tions as  the  time  is  getting  near  and  we  must  start  for  the  temple. 

SHAVARSH. — All  preparations  for  the  hour  are  complete  and 
the  plans  are  familiar  to  my  king. 


FIRST  MARTYR  OF  ARMENIA.  19 

SANADROOG. — That  the  couple,  Yervant  and  Sandoukt,  escorted 
by  their  friends,  will  be  at  the  temple  before  us. 

SHAVARSH. — Just  exactly  so.  And  the  arrival  of  the  king's 
party  will  give  the  signal  for  the  commencement  of  the  exercises. 

SANADROOG.  — (Looking  out.)  Come  here,  Shavarsh  !  You  see 
that  rapidly  moving  form  in  the  crowd  edging  out  his  way  through 
the  multitude  towards  this  place? 

SHAVARSH. — (After  an  investigating  look.)  Why,  that's  Vah- 
ram,  the  king's  courier! 

SANADROOG. —Must  have  extremely  important  news  to  bring. 
*     *     *      (Here    Vahram    is    seen    running   and    in    a    few    seconds 
seeking   entrance   through   the   door,  at   whose   sight   Sanadroog  and 
Shavarsh  ask  in  unison)   "What  news  do  you  bring  us,  Vahram?" 

VAHRAM.— (Pantingly  and  timidly.)     My  lord! 

SHAVARSH. — Speak,  Vahram,  and  hide  from  us  nothing! 

VAHRAM.— (Embarrassed.)      I    was     *     *     *     the    temple     * 
*     the  bridal  party     *     *     * 

SANADROOG. -(With  a  thundering  voice.)  Speak!  Even  if 
it  be  a  sentence  of  death  ! 

VAHRAM. —  (Gaining  his  speech.)  According  to  orders  issued 
from  the  king,  my  lord,  I  went  early  this  morning  to  the  temple  with. 
a  determination  to  report  every  detail  of  the  celebration  to  my  king. 
I  mingled  with  the  crowd  and  patiently  waited  for  the  arrival  of  the 
bridal  party.  Just  two  hours  before  noon  the  stately  gates  of  the 
magnificent  temple  were  flung  open  to  the  crowd.  The  people  rushed 
in  from  all  sides  and  soon  the  main  entrance  was  blockaded  by  a 
huge  and  solid  mass  of  human  beings.  The  guards  were  to  be  seen 
here  and  there  in  the  crowd,  moving  slowly  but  meaningly,  main- 
taining order.  Shouts  of  "Hurrah's"  filled  the  air  when  suddenly  the 
bridal  party  appeared  in  the  rear.  The  crowd  made  way  as  San- 
doukt leaning  upon  Yervant's  arm,  followed  by  the  retinue,  passed 
under  the  arch  and  then,  through  the  central  aisle  up  to  the  altar. 
This  followed  by  a  deep  silence  lasted  but  for  a  few  minutes.  Yer- 
vant, the  cver-])()])ular  general,  was  absorl)ed  in  the  talk  which  San- 
doukt was  constantly  whispering  to  his  ear.  Everybody  commented 
upon  Sandoukt's  cjueenly  grace.  l>ut  suddenly  there  was  an  un- 
usual commotion  which  changed  to  a  scene  of  distress.  Rushing 
further  into  the  temple,  equipped  by  the  courier's  badge,  I  stood  be- 
hind I'hestus  who  was  giving  orders  to  his  subordinates  in  regard  to 
the  manner  of  conducting  the  ceremonies.  Just  when  everybody  was 
waiting  in  dire  expectancy,  for  the  presence  of  your  majesty  and  of 
the  courtiers.  .Sandcjukt  sprang  u])  to  her  feet,  leading  Yervant  by 
the  hand,  proceeded  to  the  altar,  and  turning  to  the  general  said. 
"Yervant,  do  you  love  me?"  Every  one  who  witnessed  the  spectacle 
held  his  breath.  She  looked  sublimingly  handsome  in  her  garments 
of  white.  Yervant  unable  to  suppress  a  tear  answered  in  tones  of 
deep  emotion.  "I  swear  upon  heavens  and  earth,"  said  he,  "that  1 
love  but  you!"     Whereupon  Sandoukt  turning  to  our  gods  said,  "O 


20  SANDOUKT, 

ye  false  gods  of  thousands  of  worshippers  !  Fall  ye  before  the  one 
"true  God  of  the  whole  universe.  *  *  *  Let  this  maddened  crowd 
know  that  I  am  ready  to  stamp  Christ's  name  upon  this  altar  with  my 
blood  if  need  be!"  The  minute  she  spoke  these  words  an  earthcjuake 
shook  the  temple  from  its  foundations  and  the  words  were  still  ring- 
ing- in  the  ears  of  the  terrified  spectators  when  the  dome  supported 
by  the  marble  columns  of  the  altar  collapsed  with  frightening  noise 
aiid  laid  our  gods  in  ruins.  After  a  few  moments  of  consternation 
tlic  people  awoke  as  if  from  a  dream.  In  a  second  swords  were  drawn 
to  spill  Sandoukt's  blood  on  the  spot.  Every  mouth  shouted  for 
vengeance.  It  was  a  perfect  pandemonium.  The  chief  priest  himself, 
followed  by  a  blood-thirsty  mob.  started  for  this  palace.  The  people 
inside  and  outside  of  the  temple  determined  that  Sandoukt  should 
die.  But  Yervant,  gallant  general,  shielding  the  girl  with  his  body 
took  her  out  of  the  temple  and  when  pressed  hard  by  a  number  of 
assassins.  "Remember,  fellow-citizens."  said  he.  "that  she  is  Sana- 
(iroog's  daughter.  If  you  seek  a  sacrifice  for  your  hatred,  here  I  am, 
slash  my  body  to  pieces  but  spare  Sandoukt !"  The  scene  was  a  ter- 
rible one.  The  wild,  raging  and  roaring  human  sea  was  torn  as 
though  by  a  whirlwind.  Women  fiocked  the  street  corners  to  discuss 
what  their  eyes  saw  in  the  temple.  Yervant's  voice  now  became  more 
and  more  commanding,  more  and  more  threatening.  "Fellow  citi- 
zens," said  he,  at  times  choked  with  emotion.  "I  am  intrusted  with 
the  king's  most  precious  jewel,  and  I  must  return  her  safely  to  her 
father.  Go  to  the  king,  ask  of  him  justice,  he  will  sustain  your  rights. 
But  do  not,  I  prav,  take  the  law  in  your  hands  to  shed  this  maiden's 
blood!"  Saying  this  he  jumped  into  the  chariot,  with  Sandoukt  in 
his  arms,  and  soon  the  flying  pair  of  Arabian  horses  left  the  crowd 
in  a  cloud  of  dust.  In  the  meanwhile  Phestus,  with  all  his  subor- 
dinates and  infuriated  populace,  was  half  way  to  this  place.  The 
remnant  of  the  crowd  fell  prostrate  around  about  the  edifice  which 
was  set  on  fire  in  some  mysterious  way.  You  can  still  see,  bending 
from  this  window,  the  flame  wrapped  temple  far  yonder  and  hear 
the  dull  cry  of  the  people  who  are  thronging  now  the  streets  in  search 
of  the  prisoner,  Sandoukt.     *     *     * 

(Here  make  a  startling  confusion  indicating  the  approach  of 
crowd  outside  of  palace  with  shouts  of  ""Death  to  the  criminal!" 
"Long  live  Armenia,"  "Great  is  Diana,"  etc.) 

SHAVARSH.— What  is  the  racket  outside. 

VAHRAM. — The  people,  demanding  justice. 

SANADROOG. — Let  the  doors  be  opened  to  receive  the  people. 


PART  5th. 

SAME,   PHESTUS   AND   PEOPLE. 

SANADROOG. — What  can  Sanadroog  do  for  the  people? 
PHESTUS.— Justice! 


FIRST  MARTYR  OF  ARMENIA.  21 

SAN ADROOG. -What  is  the  trouble? 

PHESTUS. — In  the  name  of  gods  and  on  behalf  of  these  people 
I  demand  the  surrender  of  Sandoukt,  the  king's  sacriligeous  daughter. 

SANADROOG.  — M}^  daughter!  She  is  no  more  my  daughter. 
She  has  insulted  our  gods,  and  she  deserves  a  severe  punishment. 

PHESTUS. — Nothing  short  of  a  capital  punishment  will  satisfy 
the  gods. 

SANADROOG. — The  gods  are  not  so  cruel  as  to  demand  of  a 
father  to  kill  his  only  child.     Any  thing  but  that ! 

PHESTUS.— Sandoukt  must  die! 

SANADROOG.  —How  cruel,  ( )  Fate,  and  how  unchano-eable  are 
your  oracles!     (Drop  on  a  couch,  overcome  with  grief.) 

SHAVARSH. — Phestus,  do  not  speak  like  that  to  the  king. 

PHESTUS. — If  I  kee])  my  mouth  shut,  there'll  be  a  thovisand 
others  to  shout  "death  to  the  criminal !" 

THE  PEOPLE. — Yes,  death  to  the  criminal,  death  to  Sandoukt! 

SANADROOG.  — (Jumping  to  his  feet  roars:)  Subside  all  vc  peo- 
ple, your  demand  forthwith  will  be  considered.  Sandoukt  must 
either  relax  from  her  strange  faith  or  die.  One  or  the  other!  (Phes- 
tus and  people  withdraw.) 

SANADROOG. —  (Turning  to  Shavarsh  and  courtiers.)  The  peo- 
ple want  justice  and  do  justice  to  the  people  I  will,  even  if  I  should 
have  to  sacrifice  mine  only  daughter,  Sandoukt!  '•'  *  *  Where 
is  the  culprit? 

VAHRAM. — Let  me  enquire!  (Exit  of  Vahrani  in  (juest  of  San- 
doukt.) 

SHAVARSH. — Spare  your  child  if  you  possibly  can.  Her  life — 
if  she  repents — will  mean  more  to  the  good  and  welfare  of  our  country 
than  her  death. 

SANADR(JOG.  —Arguments  cannot  ])revail  with  a  Christian. 

SHAVARSH. — That  is  all  true.  Put  a  father's  love  may  yet  win 
back  Sandoukt. 

SANADROOG. —The  ])eople  are  clamoring  for  her  death. 

SHAVARSH. — They  will  relent  when  Sandoukt  ])leads  for  mercy. 

(V'ahram  back  again.) 

SANADROOG. -Where  is  Sandoukt? 

VAHRAM. —  In  her  own  chamber.  The  maidens,  with  Xouvart 
at  their  head,  are  assisting  Sandoukt  to  appear  to  the  king. 

SHAVARSH. — .\ii\   liarm  done  to  Sandoukt? 

V'AHR.AM.— No  harm  done  to  Sandoukt.  The  blood  spots  seen 
on  her  white  garments  are  from  Ycrvant's  wounds  which  he  prob- 
ably received  in  the  skirmish  for  his  heroic  defense  of  Sandoukt. 

A  COURTll'lK.— (iallant  soldier  and  a  devoted  lover  is  Yervant. 

SHAVARSH.— Xoble   ^■ervant  !      Is  lir  here? 

SANADROOG. —Any   danger  about   his   wounds   proving  mortal'.' 


22  SANDOUKT, 

VAHRAM. — My  lord  king  and  counsellor  are  aware  of  the  fresh 
rumors  of  war.  Yesterday  and  to-day  the  confirmed  reports  from 
the  North  indicated  the  pressing  need  of  more  reinforcements  and 
the  special  commandership  of  Yervant.  So  the  devoted  lover  and 
patriot  Yervant.  after  leaving  Sandoukt  to  the  tender  care  of  her 
companions,  and  riding  in  front  of  a  volunteer  force  went  to  the 
North  to  drive  the  rebellious  Scythians  from  the  country ! 

SANADROOG.— Brave  and  noble  Yervant!  The  entire  world  is 
but  a  little  recompense  for  your  heart  i     *     *     * 

VAHkAM. —  (Rushing  to  the  entrance.)  Sandoukt  is  at  the  door 
and  seeks  admittance. 

SHAVARSH. — We  will  leave  the  king  alone  with  his  daughter. 

SANADROOG.  — (Escorting  both  to  opposite  entrance.)  Thanks 
to  you  both  for  services  you  have  so  far  rendered  to  the  throne  and 
your  country.     "Good-bye!" 


PART  6th. 

SANADROOG,  SANDOUKT  AND  EXECUTIONERS. 

SANADROOG. —  (Proceeding  to  greet  his  daughter  at  entrance.) 
Come  in,  you  ignoble  daughter  of  an  unfortunate  king.  This  was 
then  the  surprise  you  had  reserved  for  your  father,  eh? 

SANDOUKT.-^(Not  wholly  recovered  yet  from  the  shock  of  the 
morning,  stretches  her  arms  to  Sanadroog.  )     Father,  I  love  you! 

SANADROOG.  —(Shaking  off  Sandoukt's  arms  from  his  should- 
ers.) The  daughter  who  will  love  a  despised  God  more  and  listen  to 
the  teachings  of  a  wandering  Jew  is  not  worthy  of  a  father's  love. 

SANDOUKT. — I  always  loved  you,  father,  and  prayed  for  you? 

SANADROOG.— Yes,  you  did  love  me  once,  when  you  were 
young  *  *  ■''-  O  happy  days  gone  by !  I  will  give  my  whole 
kingdom  if  just  a  few  of  those  fleeting  happy  moments  could  be  re- 
stored to  me  now  !  Sandoukt  then  was  different — loving,  confiding, 
obedient — Sanadroog  taking  her  by  the  hand  would  gently  lead  her 
to  the  temple  where  people  would  stretch  their  necks  to  take  an- 
other glimpse  of  my  child  before  we  left  the  sacred  place.  To-day. 
the  same  people  are  seeking  your  death,  and  that  with  just  reason. 
(Affectionately.)  .Sandoukt,  daughter,  thou  true  picture  of  the  no- 
blest woman  who  once  lived  and  made  this  home  a  worldly  paradise 
for  her  husband  and  child  ;  for  your  departed  mother's  sake  won't 
you  accept  your  father's  gods  and  renounce  the  hated  Christ? 

SANDOUKT. — I  cannot  renounce  my  mother's  God. 

SANADROOG. —(Surprised.)    Your  mother  was  not  a  Christian? 

SANDOUKT.— My  mother  was  a  Christian  and  died  a  Christian. 

SANADROOG.  — (Angrily.)  Are  you  willing  then  to  die  a  Chris- 
tian's death? 

SANDROUKT.— As  well  as  to  live  a  Christian's  life. 


FIRST  MARTYR  OF  ARMENIA.  23 

SANADROOG.  —It  is  time  then  for  you  to  harvest  the  conse- 
quences of  your  foolish  life.  (Turning  back.)  Executioners !  Take 
this  Christian  into  the  dungeon  until  further  issuance  of  my  orders! 

SANDOUKT. —  (Shrieking  on  bended  knees.)     Father,  mercy! 

SANADROOG.— Daughter,  (laying  down  the  sword  and  the 
crown  before  her)   choose ! 

SANDOUKT. —  (Courageously  picking  up  sword)  Father,  if  this 
is  the  weapon  which  transported  many  a  Christian  soul  from  the 
wilderness  of  human  misery  safe  into  the  heavenly  Canaan  ;  if  this  is 
the  weapon  which  will  satiate  the  demand  of  your  people  for  my 
blood  and  save  the  crown,  1  choose  this.  Take,  father,  take  the 
sword  and  plunge  it  into  my  bosom,  ending  my  existence.  My  last 
word  will  be  a  song  and  my  last  breath  a  prayer  olTered  to  God  for 
you.  '  Take,  father !  Strike  the  fatal  blow  yourself,  and  pray,  let  not 
time  be  lengthened  by  delay  or  imprisonment ! 

SANADROOG. — A  more  ignominious  death  waits  for  you.  You 
shall  remain  in  prison  until  Yervant  returns.  Executioners !  Ad- 
vance and  take  this  Christian  to  prison.  Even  a  father  will  remain 
callous  against  the  wailings  of  a  sacriiigeous  daughter ! 

EXECUTIONERS. — "Come  maiden,  walk  with  us  to  prison,  it  is 
the  king's  command." 

SANDOUKT. — Don't!     *     *     *     Let  me  speak  a  word     *     '^ 
*     about     *     *     *     Yervant!  (Exit  of  Executioners  with  Sandoukt.) 

SANADROOG.— Away  with  her!  *  *  *  So  perish  will  all 
they  who  dare  take  upon  themselves  the  name  of  Christ.  And,  by 
the  immortal  gods,  I  swear  to  blot  out  the  last  vestige  of  Christianity 
if  it  will  doubtless  mean  the  physical  destruction  of  my  own  child. 
So,  the  world  shall  know  that,  after  all,  no  foreign  vGod  shall  ever 
dominaate  Armenian  hearts  as  long  as  Sanadroog  sits  on  the  throne! 

(Fall  of  Curtain.) 


ACT  IV. 

Scene  4th — The  Prison. 

AXCjELIC    SONGS,    SAXDOUKT    AND    THADDEUS. 

(Both  in  chains,  in  different  cells  partitioned  by  a  thin   wall.) 
A  female  duo,  or  trio — (Sing  with  expression). 

"Go  bury  thy  sorrows. 

The  world'  hath  its  share ; 
Go   bury    it    deeply. 

Go  hide  it  with  care, 
(lO  think  of  it   calmly. 

When   curtained   by  night 
Go  tell   it   to  Jesus, 

And   all    will   be   right." 


24  SANDOUKT, 

"Go  tell  it  to  Jesus, 

He  knoweth  thy  grief; 
Go  tell   it   to  Jesus, 

He'll   send   you    relief, 
Go  gather  the  sunshine 

He  sheds  on  the  way; 
He'll  lighten  thy  burden. 

Go,  weary  one,  pray." 

SANDOUKT. —  (In  her  sleep.)  O  Jesus,  Thou  who  didst  teach 
us  to  love  sorrow,  when  curtained  by  night,  grant  me  the  spirit  which 
characterized  Thy  servants  giving  their  lives  for  the  establishment 
of  Thy  peaceful  kingdom.  *  *  *  (Deliriously.)  Mother!  dear 
mother,  tarry  with  me  a  little  longer.  *  *  *  I  y^\\\  wear  that  robe 
of  white  and  soon  count  in  your  blissful  company.  *  *  *  What 
more  suffering  can  an  enfeebled  girl  endure  to  throw  off  this  mortal 
and  wear  the  immortal?  *  *  *  Death?  I  am  ready  to  face  it 
*  *  *  What  is  it  you  say,  mother?  A  martyr's  death  awaits 
j^^gP  ;i:  *  *  Alas!  I  cannot  live  a  little  longer  to  see  Yervant  a 
Christian  I  *  *  *  Yervant !  When  I  drop  dead  by  the  poisonous 
arrows  of  my  executioners,  freed  from  the  bonds  of  the  world  my 
incarnal  soul  will  hover  about  you,  my  first  and  lasting  love! 
(Awaking.)  Where  am  I?  An  awful  presentiment  covers  my  being 
with  dreadful  chills,  and  I  feel  *  *  *  as  though  *  *  *  j  am 
lost  to  the  world  !  But  why  do  I  think  so  of  Yervant?  Why  do  sad- 
dening thoughts  so  disturb  the  peace  of  my  mind?  How  would  Yer- 
vant feel  should  he  return  to  find  Sandoukt  *  *  *  in  prison. 
There  is  no  hope  for  me !  Sandoukt  is  destined  to  die  [  *  *  * 
Hello !  I  hear  a  man's  voice,  familiar  to  me.  *  *  *  "pjs  Thad- 
deus.  on  the  other  side  and  what  a  blessing  to  me.  O  sacred  voice, 
once  more  speak  to  me  the  words  of  life.  *  *  *  He  seems  happy 
in  his  chains.  By  a  strange  fate  we  may  together  die  on  the  same 
scaffold.     He  sings.     *     *     * 

THAD'DEUS. —  (Engaged  in  solemn  thanksgiving  and  song.) 

"More  love  to  thee,  O  Christ! 

More  love  to  Thee ! 

Hear  thou  the  prayer  I  make 

On  bended  knee ; 

This  is  my  earnest  plea, — 

More  love,  O  Christ,  to  Thee, 

Let  sorrow  do  its  work. 

Send  grief  and  pain ; 

Sweet  are  Thy  messengers 

vSweet   their  refrain, 

When  they  can  sing  with  me  -- 

More  love,  O   Christ,  to  Thee, 

More  love  to  Thee  !* 

*These  verses  are  copied  from  the  Hymnal  for  their  most  appro- 
priate and  approximate  words  to  the  original  Armenian. 


A  Typical  Armenian  General 


26  SANDOUKT, 

SANDOUKT.— (Rapping  at  the  wall  and  shouting.)  Thaddeus ! 
Thaddeus ! 

THADDEUS. —  (Surprised.)  Vision  or  reality?  I  hear  San- 
doukt's  voice ! 

SANDOUKT. — It  is  Sandoukt  herself,  most  reverend  father! 

THADDEUS. — Sandoukt  in  prison?  and  what  for? 

SANDOUKT. — My  father,  king  Sanadroog,  was  incensed  against 
my  being  a  Christian  ;  proposed  me  to  choose  either  the  sword  or 
the  crown.     Resolute  in  my  faith  I  chose  the  sword — my  death. 

THADDEUS. — Sandoukt !  May  God  help  you  carry  the  cross 
through  the  thorny  path  of  life's  journey ! 

SANDOUKT. —  (Alone.)  What  a  wonderful  heart  is  in  the  bosom 
Of  this  godly  man,  crystallized  by  the  presence  of  long  suffering. 
(Aloud.  )  Father!  Can  your  prophetic  soul  penetrate  into  the  future 
of  Yervant,  the  noble  general?  I  will  have  no  peace  from  hence- 
forth to  the  hour  of  my  execution  unless  assured  of  his  acceptance 
of  Jesus  our  Lord,  as  a  Saviour? 

THADDEUS. — Yervant's  devotional  love  for  you  cannot  fail 
to  become  a  powerful  means  of  his  salvation. 

SANDOUKT. —  (Kindly.)  O  merciful  God,  save  Yervant  where- 
ever  he  may  be,  whether  in  the  gory  field  or  in  his  homeward  return 
in  triumph,  save  him,  O  Lord,  for  my  sake,  in  Jesus'  name.  Amen !" 
(Unconscious  sleep  overtakes  her  until  disturbed  and  awakened  by 
the  sad'  sudden  arrival  of  Yervant  in  the  pathetic 

PART  7th. — Inside  and  outside  of  prison. 

YERVANT,  HIS  COMRADES,  KEEPER  AND  SANDOUKT  IN 

A  CELL. 

YERVANT. —  (Just  back  from  the  frontier  war,  victorious,  but 
mortally  wounded,  tenderly  placed  and  carried  by  his  comrades  on 
a  pair  of  stretchers,  wishes  to  meet  Sandoukt,  writhing  in  the  agonies 
of  death.)  Take  me,  soldiers,  take  me  to  the  place  where  Sandoukt, 
my  light  and  my  love,  is  condemned  to  expiate  her  crime  of  adhering 
to  the  cross.  In  a  few  minutes  Yervant  will  exist  no  more !  The 
dreadful  chill  of  death  has  already  crept  into  my  being;  and  soon 
my  sinking  eyes  will  close  to  the  glorious  rise  of  the  morning's  sun. 
Make  haste !     How  far  are  we  yet  from  the  prison  ? 

A  SOLDIER. — We  are  almost  at  the  gates,  general! 

YERVANT. — (Electrified  makes  a  futile  attempt  to  jump,  but 
his  excitement  proves  enervating  and  with  a  distressing  groan  ex- 
claims.) O  Sandoukt,  Sandoukt!  No  one  but  your  living  God  can 
save  you  from  death,  now  that  Yervant's  lifeless  body  will  soon  roll 
before  your  feet!  *  *  *  (Here  soldiers  lay  down  gently  their 
charge  and   proceed  to  knock  at  the  gate,  while 

SOLDIERS. —  (Shouting)  Armen  !  Open  the  doors  quick  for  our 
beloved  Yervant. 


FIRST  MARTYR  OF  ARMENIA.  27 

ARMEX.  THE  KEEPER.— (Thunderstruck.)  Yervant  back! 
but  what  a  pitiful  sight.  I  would  not  believe  my  eyes!  It  is  true, 
though,  they  are  carrying  Yervant.  Hurrah  for  the  brave  general! 
But,  my  gods,  what  will  become  of  poor  Sandoukt  when  she  wakes 
up  only  to  see  her.  lover  dying  at  her  feet!  Boys!  Walk  right  in. 
The  maiden  is  in  dreamland. 

YERVANT.— Comrades !  take  care  not  to  disturb  the  dream- 
ing prisoner.  Walk  in  gently !  *  *  *  But  I  shall  soon  be  roam- 
ing in  her  dreamland  !  (The  company  reaches  her  cell  now.  A 
lurid  light  shedding  its  melancholia  completes  the  sad  picture  of  the 
gloomy  cell.) 

ALL.— (At  once.)     Hush  !  sh  !    !    !    ! 

YERVANT. —  (Breaking  silence  and  in  rapture.)  Sandoukt!  An- 
gel of  purity,  mistress  of  love!  How  in  your  sufferings  intense  you 
still  look  sublime! 

SANDOUKT. —  (Deliriously.)  "O  Jesus!  gird  me  with  a  spirit 
of  courage  when  the  solemn  hour  comes.  (All  the  rest  bend  in  deep 
silence  to  catch  every  word  that  falls  from  her  lips.)  *  *  "-'■' 
Clouds  of  flame  and  a  blood-surging  sea  will  devour  my  life  on  earth  ; 
but  Thou,  O  Jesus,  receive  to  Thy  heavenly  home  my  wearied  soul 
and  that  of  Yervant,  I  pray     *     *     * 

YERVANT.— "Yervant !"  Does  she  still  think  of  me?  Here  is 
the  unquestionable  proof — she  prays  for  me!  ((jrasping  tightly  the 
hands  of  Sandoukt  in  his,  supported  by  the  soldiers,  scarce  able  to 
sit,  pleadingly  says:)  Sandoukt,  dear  Sandoukt,  wake  up  to  see 
the  object  of  your  prayer  ;  Yervant  is  talking  to  you,  Sandoukt. 

SANDOUKT.- — (Half-awake,  mistaking  the  by-standcrs  for  her 
executioners  shrinks  and  hiding  her  face  in  her  hands  so1)s)  No,  no, 
not  yet !  Please  don't  kill  me  before  I  say  my  last  prayer.  Spare  me, 
pray,  until  once  again  I  see  Yervant !      !      ! 

A  SOLDIER. —  (With  gentle  words  bringing  her  to  her  senses.) 
No,  maiden,  we  are  not  your  executioners,  we  are  the  soldiers  who 
fought  l)y  Yervant's  side.  We  have  returned  home  with  Yer\ant,  the 
concjuering  but  now  dying  general. 

SANDOl^KT.— (Almost  l)reathless  at  the  shocking  news.)  Where 
is  he  now  ? 

SOLDI  1':KS.— Right  here. 

YERVANT. — Come  to  me,  Sandoukt,  won't  you  speak  a  kind 
word  to  your  dying  sweetheart? 

SANDOUKT. —  (Realizing  the  entire  situation,  in  tones  of  bound- 
less sym])athy.)  Oh,  Yervant,  Yervant,  what  evils  have  beset  you! 
Could  a  just  (iod  demand  two  loving  sacrifices  at  a  time? 

YERVANT. — Sandoukt,  the  religion  that  has  made  your  heart 
j)ure  as  crystal,  has  purified  my  heart  also.  And  the  instructions  I 
received  from  the  fragment  of  the  Gospel  Thaddeus  preached  have 
thansformed  me  into  a  new  being. 

SANDOUKT.— (Planting  a  kiss  on  Yervant's  brow.)  Death  can- 
not separate  us,  Yervant  i     *     *     * 


28  SANDOUKT, 

YERV'AXT. — My  life  is  ebbing  away  rapidly  now;  but  I  ain  not 
afraid  of  death.  One  sore  spot  remains  yet  on  my  heart  unhealed, 
ihat  is,  to  leave  you  to  the  mercies  of  a  sanguinary  and  lawless  mob. 

SANDOUKT. — They  can  kill  and  defile  the  body,  but  they  can 
do  no  harm  to  my  soul,  which  will  soar  high  above  the  clouds  to 
meet  you  and  all  the  redeemed  in  the  skies. 

YERVANT. — (Convulsively.)  Farewell,  Armenia,  the  land  of 
my  birth,  life  and  death.  *  *  *  Farewell  to  you,  soldiers, 
noble  and  brave,  who  fought  the  nation's  battles  in  obedi- 
ence to  my  orders.  '^  '•'  *  I^'arewell  to  you,  Sanadroog!  May  the 
lustre  of  your  glory  shine  from  age  to  age ;  and  may  God  omni- 
potent quicken  your  hardened  soul  to  believe  in  Christian  truths.     '•' 

*     *     Farewell  to  you,   Sandoukt,   my   love,   mine  all  [     =1^     *     * 
See    over    there?     *     *     '"     Hear    the    inspiring    music    that    fingers 
like  your's   are   playing  on   the   golden   harps.     *     *     *     How   they 
beckon   to   me!     *      =     *     j    ^^^   coming     *     *     *     Good-bye!     *     * 

ALL  PRESENT. —  (In  deep  sorrow.)     Yervant's  dead! 

SANDOUKT. —  (Feeling  the  lifeless  weight  of  Yervant's  body  in 
her  arms  crying  aloud.)  Yervant,  Yervant,  Oh  Yervant,  you're  not 
dead  ! 

YERVANT.—     *      *      *      Sandoukt!     *     *     *     meet      *     * 
j^^g     *     *     *     there  1     *     *     *      (Die.) 

THADDEUS.— (From  the  other  side  of  the  wall,  aloud.)  One 
more  precious  soul — a  gem  of  courage  and  nobility — for  the  crown 
of  Jesus,  the  Lord  of  all ! 

Fall  of  Curtain. 


ACT  V. 

Scene  5th — The  Prison. 

SANADROOG.  SANDOUKT,  THADDEUS,  EXECUTIONERS. 

SANADROOG. —  (Visiting  prison  early  in  the  morning  of  the  day 
set  for  the  execution  of  two  Christians,  Sandoukt  and  Thaddeus, 
sternly  addressing  keeper  in  the  antechamber.  )  What  is  the  news 
about  the  girl,  Armen? 

ARM  EN. — She  is  precariously  ill,  my  lord.  She  was  persistent 
in  her  refusal  to  take  any  nourishment  since  the  death  of  General 
Yervant ! 

SANADROOG.  —Did  she  ever  show  a  sign  of  penitence  during 
her  confinement? 

ARMEN. — Not  in  the  least,  my  lord!  On  the  contrary,  her 
strange  religion  seems  to  have  a  firmer  hold  of  her,  as  she  has 
never  ceased  to  pray  to  certain  gods  named  Jesus  and  Christ. 

SANADROOG.  — (Angrily.)  The  same  old  story !  She  must  die. 
*     *     *     Armen,  bring  her  out  here !     I  will  give  her  a  last  chance 


FIRST  MARTYR  OF  ARMENIA.  29 

to  live!  *  *  *  (Alone.)  I  am  truly  a  miserable  king.  Would 
our  gods  impose  upon  a  father  such  a  cruel  duty  as  to  demand  of 
him  the  blood  of  his  only  child?  x  et,  it  is  true!  Phestus  is  the  inter- 
preter of  gods'  will  and  whatever  says  he,  must  come  to  pass !  O 
Sandoukt,  if  you  could  only  fathom  the  depths  of  your  father's 
agony,  you  might     *     *     * 

SANDOUKT. —  (Entering  the  room  with  the  keeper  and  faintly 
enquiring  of  Armen.)     My  father,  Sanadroog,  here;  and  what  for? 

SANADROOG.— Take  the  chains  off  the  maiden's  hands  and 
feet!     (Orders  promptly  obeyed.) 

SANDOUKT. — Father,  did  you  come  here  to  set  me  free? 

SANADROOG. — (Compassionately.)  Yes,  forever  free,  my 
daughter,  if  you  only  say,  at  this  critical  moment,that  you  accept 
your  father's  gods,  and  live ! 

SANDOUKT. — It  is  all  vain  effort  to  lure  me  from  the  radiant 
shores  of  heaven  back  to  a  world  of  idolatrous  shame ! 

SANADROOG. — Sandoukt,  daughter,  don't  you  know  that  I  have 
power  to  save  you  from  the  horrors  of  death  punishment?  Won't 
you  yield  to  your  father's  pleadings  and  help  save  the  crown  from 
everlasting  disgrace? 

SANDOUKT.— (Tearfully.)      Father,  I  cannot! 

SANADROOG. — (Exasperated.)  O  furies  of  hell,  come  and  take 
this  profane  child  to  the  hades  below ! 

SANDOUKT. —  (Prayerfully.)     God,  have  mercy  upon  my  father! 

SANADROOG. — Stop!  Enough  I  pleaded  with  you  for  your 
life.  This  very  day  you  shall  die  amid  the  scoffs  and  jeers  of  your 
country's  people !  Armen,  bring  out  the  accursed  Jew  who  made  a 
Christian  of  this  girl. 

ARMEN. — Presently,  my  lord  !      (Running  into  Thaddeus'  cell.) 

SANADROOG. — Father,  have  mercy  upon  him,  pray!  (Still 
crying.) 

SANADROOG. — No  mercies  shall  be  shown  our  gods'  revolting 
creatures ! 

ARMEN. —  (Pushing  and  kicking  the  old  man  into  the  room  who 
drops  before  the  king's  feet.)  There  is  the  cause  and  source  of  all 
disloyalty  and  stubborn  resistance! 

SANADROOG.— (Kicking.)  (let  up,  you  evil  spirit  and  answer 
my  question.  (Unable  to  rise.)  Soldiers!  pick  him  up  and  1  will 
spit  him  on  the  face.  (Sla])ping  Thaddeus  in  the  face.)  Speak  now! 
if  you  can't  make  me  also  a  Christian  ? 

SANDOUKT. — (Springing  towards  Thaddeus  embraces  him  and 
sympathetically.)  Courage,  Thaddeus!  but  for  a  little  while  now, 
and  soon  our  pains  and  sorrows  will  vanish  from  us  to  return  no 
more! 

THADDEUS.— (Emphatically.)  Jesus  Christ  said  in  his  divine 
sermon  upon  the  mountain,  "P)lessed  are  those  who  are  persecuted 
for  righteousness'  sake,  for  they  shall  inherit  the  kingdom  of  heaven!" 


30  SANOOUKT, 

SANADROOG. — (Ang^rily  stamping  with  his  foot  on  the  floor.) 
Enoui^h !  Executioners !  advance  and  take  these  prisoners  to  the 
public  square!  They  must  die!  I  spake,  it  is  now  a  law  which  must 
take  its  full  course.  In  the  meantime,  I  go  to  the  palace ;  thence  to 
the  place  of  execution  to  receive  from  the  congregated  courtiers  and 
people  the  thousand  congratulations  upon  my  allegiance  to  the  na- 
tion's gods,  while  these  two  Christians  fall  upon  their  death-ground  ! 
Great  are  our  gods  and  great  is  he  who  executes  their  supreme  will ! 
(Exit  of  Sanadroog  followed  by  a  noisy  preparation  for  the  death 
procession  while  curtain  remains  down  15  or  20  seconds  for  the 
following 


Scene  6th — Public  Square  or  the  Place  of  Execution. 

THE  ENTIRE  CAST  OF  CHARACTERS  PRESENT.  (Sana- 
droog seated  on  his  throne  surrounded  by  courtiers  and  priests  in  their 
most  brilliant  garb,  and  guards  restraining  with  difficulty  the  pressing 
crowd  of  people,  when  suddenly  a  company  of  young  girls  step  to  the 
front,  led  by  Nouvart,  who  petitions  the  king  as  follows :) 

NOUVART. — Most  gracious  king  of  Armenia!  With  the  heavi- 
est hearts  in  our  bosoms  we,  the  representative  body  of  Armenian 
womanhood,  are  regarding  with  boundless  horror,  the  coming  exe- 
cution of  Sandoukt  as  the  most  atrocious  crime  of  all  ages !  While 
we  uniformly  condemn  Thaddeus  as  the  cause  of  all  evils  of  late — 
whose  removal  alone  by  execution  from  our  midst  may  adequately 
appease  the  anger  of  our  gods — we  earnestly  appeal  to  your  sym- 
pathies, that,  irrespective  of  her  resolute  stand  for  Christ,  you  pardon 
Sandoukt,  your  loving  daughter  and  our  best  friend !  (All  kneel 
down  imploring  his  pity.) 

SANADROOG. — (His  bosom  heaving  most  violently  and  his 
vagrant  looks  searching  Phestus  at  his  side,  under  the  stress  of  the 
last  words  spoken.)     What  have  you  to  say,  Phestus? 

PHESTUS. — (Apprehending  the  king's  relaxation  jumps  to  the 
front,  makes  an  animated  speech  and  again  becomes  master  of  the 
situation.  Very  solemnly.)  "Sanadroog,  courtiers,  fellow-priests 
and  citizens  of  Armenia !  Before  attempting  to  freshen  in  your  minds 
the  incidents  of  the  past  I  will  ask  the  king  to  order  these  girls  back 
to  their  homes,  and  never  again  allow  them  to  enter  the  spheres  of 
religious  and  political  influence.  (Ladies  retire  with  the  approval  of 
the  king.)  Do  these  weaklings  mean  to  stay  the  hand  of  justice 
from  administering  to  the  criminals  in  question  the  severe  retribu- 
tion which  is  their  right  due?  On,  then,  O  Sanadroog,  go  with  your 
determination  to  mete  out  the  punishment  on  the  scoundrel  who 
taught  these  people  Jewish  adsurdities,  and  your  once  devoutly  lov- 
ing daughter  to  despise  you — a  father — and  love  a  dead  and  resur- 
rected Christ !  The  moment  has  come,  O  Sanadroog,  when  you  must 
show  these  thronging  thousands  your  sovereign  power,  that  both  as 
a  jealous  father  and  a  mighty  ruler  you  do  not  shrink  from  the  per- 


FIRST  MARTYR  OF  ARMENIA.  31 

formance  of  a  noble  duty !     Who  is  that  king  who  will  not  have  his 
name  inscribed  upon  his  tomb-stone  with  the  words: 

"Terror  to  his  enemies !" 
"Defender  of  his  country ! 
"Ruler  of  nations ! 
"Beloved  of  gods  !       (Retire.) 
(Here    dissenting   voices    heard    in    the   crowd   as    Sandoukt   clad 
in  white  and  Thaddeus  in  black  are  hurried  along  to  the  spot.) 
ONE  VOICE.— Isn't  she  sublime? 
SECOND  VOICE. — The  old  man  looks  very  much  worn  out! 

THIRD  VOICE. — It  is  a  pity  to  see  cut  down  this  flower  of 
beauty  and  queenly  grace! 

ALL. Sh!    Sh!     ! 

Sandoukt  and  Thaddeus  stand  side  by  side  on  the  platform  sup- 
posed to  be  the  scaffold,  both  with  their  heads  bowed  down  entirely 
deaf  to  the  murmurings  and  admirations  of  the  people  when  suddenly 
they  are  startled  by  Sanadroog's  voice.) 

SANADROOG.— Ready  ? 

(The  two  executioners  retreat  7-8  paces  and  kneeling  aim  their 
arrows  at  the  hearts  of  the  Christians  spotted  with  small  signs  of  a 
cross  to  insure  instantaneous  death.) 

SANADROOG. —Thaddeus!  There  you  stand  face  to  face  with 
death,  Jupiter  or  Christ?     Life  or  death,  which? 

THADDEUS.— Death !  for  the  sake  of  my  Lord  Jesus  Christ ! 

SANADROOG. — And  die  thou  shalt !  (Number  one  executioner 
lets  his  arrow  fly  deeply  embedded  into  the  heart  of  Thaddeus  who 
falls  with  his  last  words.) 

THADDEUS.— "May  peace  dwell  in   thee,  Armenia!      (Die.) 

SANADROOG. —Thus  will  shamefully  end  the  lives  of  all  the 
accursed  Christians  who  dare  stand  against  Sanadroog!  (Addressing 
his  daughter.)  Will  Sandoukt,  aware  of  the  fate  now  before  her,  re- 
turn to  her  father's  gods? 

SANDOUKT. —  (Pale  and  quivering  yet  drawing  herself  to  her 
height.)     "I  am  a  Christian  !" 

SANADROOG.  — (Madly  stamping  his  foot  and  roaring.)  "Sil- 
ence! (Executioners,  entirely  unnerved,  aim  their  inaffcctive  arrows 
in  vain  which  fall  short  before  Sandoukt.  Whereupon  Sanadroog, 
crazed  by  ominous  consequences,  rushes  forward  and  plunges  his 
brandishing  sword   into  his  daughter's  heart,  crying.) 

SANADROOG. —(Furiously.)  Thus  the  Christian  enemies  of  our 
gods  will  perish  !  And  no  tongue  will  dare  speak  the  name  of  Jesus 
while  I  am  king  of  Armenia? 

SANDOUKT.— (Twingeing  in  agonies  of  death.)  O  Jesus,  I  com- 
mit  myself  unto  thee!     Receive  me.    Lord,   receive   me!     *     *     * 
Yervant !    I    am   coming   to  thee!  coming  to  thee!    (Succumbs  to  un- 
consciousness.) 


32  SANDOUKT, 

(Phestus  manages  to  run  away  from  the  scene,  while  Sanadroog 
gazes  stupidly  upon  his  victim's  blood-covered  body.  Here  the 
winged  spirit  of  Yervant  may  be  seen  perching  above  Sandoukt's 
head  and  rapidly  disappearing,  while  the  horrified  people  shout.) 

"Isn't  that  Servant?  *  *  *  Yervant  has  come  to  save  San- 
doukt !     O  heavens,  this  is  terrible!" 

SOME  ONE. — (To  a  company  of  three  or  four.)  Sandoukt  was 
truly  innocent !  The  king  was  willing  to  save  her.  The  guilt  is  on 
Phestus,  the  chief  priest!  (Looking  around,  and  not  seeing  Phestus 
there.)     Where  is  he?     (All  at  once  shouting.) 

"We'll  hunt  him  up  and  kill  him  on  the  spot!     (Run  ofT.) 

SANADROOG.— (Thus  far  gazing  motionless,  upon  his  daugh- 
ter's lifeless  body,  lifts  up  his  eyes  to  see  the  courtiers  hiding  their 
faces  and  the  remnant  of  the  crowd  pointing  out  to  the  corpse  of  San- 
doukt laid  low  in  her  gory  blood  ;  and  waking  from  his  stupor  realizes 
his  error,  but  alas !  too  late.  Rushes  forward  and  taking  Sandoukt  in 
his  arms  most  piteously.) 

"O  Sandoukt,  my  daughter,  what  have  I  done  to  you  !  I  killed 
you,  my  darling,  my  only  Sandoukt.  *  *  *  You  are  breathing 
vet,  my  darling,  though  heavily.  Won't  you  speak  to  me  a  word  of 
forgiveness?  *  *  *  Darling,  I  have  done  a  great  wrong;  I 
stained  my  hands  in  your  blood  I  *  *  *  O  gods,  pour  down  your 
lightnings'  and  thunders  upon  my  head  and  let  Sanadroog  be  no  more ! 
Skilled 'mine  only  daughter,  Sandoukt!  *  *  *  Sandoukt!  tell  me 
that  you  forgive  me!  (Putting  her  arms  around  his  neck.)  Daugh- 
ter, daughter!  You  are  dying!  before  your  arms  tighten  in  their  cold 
embrace,  won't  you  let  me  hear,  Sandoukt,  the  word  that  you  for- 
give me,  your  guilty  father.     *     *     *      ? 

SANDOUKT. — (Coming  back  to  life  for  a, moment.)  Father!  I 
love  *  *  *  and  *  *  *  forgive  you!  (Saying  this  breathes 
her  last  in  the  arms  of  Sanadroog.) 

SANADROOG.— (Relieved.)  She  forgives  me!  It  is  a  divine 
religion  that  teaches  humanity  to  love  and  forgive!  *  *  *  Thou 
didst  conquer  me,  at  last,  O  Jesus  Nazarene ! 

Fall  of  Curtain  and  the  End  of  the  Play. 


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